
- Corticosteroid cream or ointment. You can put this medicine on the rash 2 to 3 times a day, for up to 3 weeks. ...
- Calamine lotion. This is a pink, watery lotion that can help stop itching.
- Antihistamine. This medicine can help reduce itching. ...
- Other anti-itch lotion or cream.
How long does it take for pityriasis rosea to heal?
Itch relief: To treat the itch, a dermatologist may recommend: An anti-itch lotion, such as hydrocortisone cream. Triamcinolone ointment. Antihistamine that you take. UVB phototherapy (light treatments that are given in a dermatologist’s office)
Why is pityriasis rosea considered a viral exanthem?
Pityriasis rosea is a common skin disorder in children and young adults. It is a self-limiting disease with symptoms that are typically mild and tolerable. Consequently, the best treatment remains the one followed so far by generations of dermatologists: reassuring the patient and letting the condition go away on its own.
What is the best treatment for pityriasis capitis simplex?
Jan 01, 2018 · Clinical recommendation Evidence rating References Symptoms of pityriasis rosea can be managed with oral or topical cortico - steroids or oral antihistamines. C 2 Macrolide antibiotics have no...
How do I know if I have pityriasis rosea?
The most important principles of treating the itching associated with pityriasis rosea is to keep the skin moisturized with a high quality personal care product. It is also important to avoid drying out the skin by over-washing or use of very hot water. Over the counter anti-itch creams and over the counter antihistamines can also help.

How do you get rid of pityriasis rosea fast?
The following tips may help relieve the discomfort of pityriasis rosea:Take over-the-counter allergy medicine (antihistamines). These include diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others).Bathe or shower in lukewarm water.Take an oatmeal bath. ... Apply a moisturizer, calamine lotion or an over-the-counter corticosteroid cream.Aug 5, 2020
What triggers pityriasis rosea?
The exact cause of pityriasis rosea is unclear. Some evidence indicates the rash may be triggered by a viral infection, particularly by certain strains of the herpes virus. But it's not related to the herpes virus that causes cold sores. Pityriasis rosea isn't believed to be contagious.Aug 5, 2020
What is the best course of treatment for pityriasis rosea?
Symptoms of pityriasis rosea can be managed with oral or topical corticosteroids or oral antihistamines. Macrolide antibiotics have no benefit in the management of pityriasis rosea. Acyclovir is effective in the treatment of pityriasis rosea and may be considered in severe cases.Jan 1, 2018
How long does it take for pityriasis rosea to go away?
Living with pityriasis rosea In most cases, pityriasis rosea goes away on its own and does not come back. It could last 1 to 3 months. Heat can worsen the rash and itching.Oct 10, 2018
What can be mistaken for pityriasis rosea?
Another condition, such as ringworm and syphilis, can cause a rash that can be mistaken for pityriasis rosea. Both ringworm and syphilis require treatment to prevent worsen and long-lasting effects on your health.
Does pityriasis rosea get worse before it gets better?
Most people with pityriasis rosea, do not need any treatment and it settles by itself. The rash can get worse before it gets better, with new patches appearing for up to 6 weeks. It then usually settles, without treatment, within 2 to 3 months.
What cream is good for pityriasis rosea?
How do dermatologists treat pityriasis rosea?An anti-itch lotion, such as hydrocortisone cream.Triamcinolone ointment.Antihistamine that you take.UVB phototherapy (light treatments that are given in a dermatologist's office)
What soap is good for pityriasis rosea?
Use a mild soap, such as Dove or Cetaphil, when you wash your skin. Add a handful of oatmeal (ground to a powder) to your bath. Or you can try an oatmeal bath product, such as Aveeno. Keep the water warm or lukewarm.
What cream can I use for pityriasis rosea?
Corticosteroid cream or ointment. You can apply this medicine to the rash 2 to 3 times a day, for up to 3 weeks. Calamine lotion. This is a pink, watery lotion that can help stop itching.
Does pityriasis rosea always spread?
Pityriasis rosea appears mostly on the torso, but it's not uncommon for it to spread around the body. It may appear on the arms, neck and even the scalp. The rash rarely spreads to the face.Feb 25, 2022
Is pityriasis rosea related to Covid?
Pityriasis rosea is an acute, exanthematous disease likely caused by human herpesvirus HHV‐6 and/or HHV‐7. 1 , 2 It mainly affects young adults. We present two cases of pityriasis rosea‐like eruptions associated with COVID‐19 infection. A 26‐year‐old man was admitted with a diagnosis of pityriasis rosea.
Does pityriasis rosea get worse with heat?
Heat can worsen the rash and the itch. To reduce the risk of overheating: Avoid hot temperatures whenever possible. Stop strenuous activities while you have the rash.
How long does it take for pityriasis rosea to go away?
If you have pityriasis rosea, the rash with go away without treatment. Some people see the rash disappear within 6 to 8 weeks, but it can take 5 months or longer for the skin to clear. While you don’t need to treat the rash, some patients ask for treatment to take care of the following.
What causes a rash that looks like pityriasis rosea?
Take any medications. Some medications can cause a rash that looks like pityriasis rosea, so it’s important to rule this out. Sometimes, testing is necessary to rule out another condition, such as an infection. When testing is necessary, your dermatologist may remove a bit of skin or order a blood test.
Can pityriasis rosea cause a rash?
Pityriasis rosea causes a rash that will clear on its own, so it’s usually nothing to worry about. Still, it’s important to get diagnosed. It’s possible that the rash could be something other than pityriasis rosea. Also, if you’re pregnant, you may need close follow up.
Can a dermatologist diagnose pityriasis rosea?
If you have a typical pityriasis rosea rash, a dermatologist can often diagnose you right away. To the trained eye, this rash is obvious. During your appointment, it’s important to tell your dermatologist if you: Could be pregnant. Have had an organ transplant.
What is a pityriasis rosea?
Pityriasis rosea is a self-limiting skin condition that presents as discrete scaly papules and plaques along the Langer lines (cleavage lines) over the trunk and limbs. This generalized rash is usually preceded by a herald patch on the trunk. 1, 2 The incidence is 170 cases per 100,000 persons per year.
What is the differential diagnosis of pityriasis rosea?
The differential diagnosis of pityriasis rosea includes several conditions ( Table 1). 1, 3, 7 If the diagnosis is uncertain, skin biopsy will help exclude other pathologies. 3 The histology of pityriasis rosea will usually show focal parakeratosis, spongiosis, and acanthosis in the epidermis, and extravasated red blood cells with perivascular infiltrates of lymphocytes, monocytes, and eosinophils in the dermis.
What is pityriasis rosea gigantea of Darier?
In pityriasis rosea gigantea of Darier, the patient has fewer and larger lesions. Inverse pityriasis rosea predominantly involves the face, axillae, and groin. Pityriasis rosea of Vidal presents with large patches on the axillae or inguinal region. 1, 3.
How long does it take for pityriasis rosea to relapse?
2, 8 The relapse typically occurs within five to 18 months of the initial episode. 3, 8
Can acyclovir be used for pregnancy?
In some cases, acyclovir can be used to treat symptoms and reduce the length of disease. Ultraviolet phototherapy can also be considered for severe cases. Pityriasis rosea during pregnancy has been linked to spontaneous abortions.
Is acyclovir effective for pityriasis rosea?
Macrolide antibiotics have no benefit in the management of pityriasis rosea. B. 41 – 44. Acyclovir is effective in the treatment of pityriasis rosea and may be considered in severe cases.
Question
What is the best way to treat pityriasis rosea? My doctor told me that I probably have this, and that it would go away on its own and I didn't need to do anything, but that we could treat the itching if I wanted to. I've decided I do want to treat the itching, but I don't want to go back to the doctor. Can I do this myself? How?
Answer
Pityriasis Rosea is a common skin condition that fortunately is usually self-limited and does not result in other serious medical problems. The physicians who are best qualified to talk to you about this condition include your primary care doctor and your dermatologist.
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How to treat pityriasis rosea?
Topical Remedies For Pityriasis Rosea. 1. Soothe Your Skin With Aloe Vera. The cool, hydrating gel of aloe vera works well in providing you some relief from the itchy rashes. 2 It has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that will get rid of germs on your skin to prevent infection, making it heal quicker. 3.
How to reduce itch from rashes?
Reduce Skin Inflammation With Tea Tree Oil. Tea tree oil heals your skin by reducing inflammation of your rashes , thus, reducing the itching as well. 12 You can mix it with almond oil or coconut oil and apply it on your skin 3 times a day. Advertisements.
How to get rid of itch on skin?
You can use coconut oil to reduce the itch and breathe a sigh of relief. Coconut oil not only moisturizes your skin but also gets rid of the microbes due to its anti-microbial properties. 6 Take a few drops of pure coconut oil in your palms and rub it on the affected areas twice a day. 4.
How to make your skin soft and smooth?
Use Plantain Leaves To Leave Your Skin Feeling Smooth And Soft. The plantain leaf is an astringent and an emollient makes skin smooth and soft. It also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that work well in treating your skin when you have pityriasis rosea. 16. Blend fresh plantain leaves using a blender.
Does calendula help with rashes?
Calendula has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that will suppress the itching and reduce the redness of your skin. It significantly increases the rate at which your skin heals by encouraging the top layer of your skin to grow. 15 You can make an oil infusion with calendula flowers and use it twice a day on the rashes until they heal.
Can pityriasis rosea be healed?
Though pityriasis rosea will get better on its own, leaving it untreated will lead to extreme discomfort. It cannot be healed in an instant, but you can try natural remedies to get some relief from its bothersome symptoms. 1.
Does lavender oil help with pityriasis rosea?
Although the rashes of pityriasis rosea are definitely not a sight for sore eyes, the itch that accompanies them is much worse. If the itching becomes unbearable, then applying a few drops of lavender oil will do the trick. Lavender oil is known for its soothing and relaxing properties, and it accelerates the healing of your rashes. 8
How to treat pityriasis rosea?
Pityriasis rosea usually clears up in 8 to 10 weeks. To help with the itching, your doctor may recommend: 1 Over-the-counter topical medications, such as calamine lotion or zinc oxide 2 Antihistamines, often taken for allergies, that in some forms also treat rashes and itching 3 Taking lukewarm showers or soaking in oatmeal baths
How big is a pityriasis rosea patch?
That’s called the “herald patch” or “mother patch.”. It’s usually oval and about 2 to 10 centimeters (a little less than an inch to almost 4 inches) in diameter.
What to do for itching from a rash?
To help with the itching, your doctor may recommend: Over-the-counter topical medications , such as calamine lotion or zinc oxide. Antihistamines, often taken for allergies, that in some forms also treat rashes and itching. Taking lukewarm showers or soaking in oatmeal baths.
What is the best way to diagnose skin problems?
A dermatologist, a doctor who treats skin conditions, can usually diagnose it by sight. To make sure, they may order a blood test, a scraping or a biopsy. Those tests can rule out other types of skin problems, including eczema, ringworm, and psoriasis.

Cause
- Pityriasis rosea is a common self-limiting rash that usually starts with a herald patch on the trunk and progresses along the Langer lines to a generalized rash over the trunk and limbs. The diagnosis is based on clinical and physical examination findings. The herald patch is an erythematous lesion with an elevated border and depressed center. The generalized rash usuall…
Diagnosis
- The diagnosis of pityriasis rosea is based on clinical and physical examination findings. Classic pityriasis rosea starts with a herald patch on the trunk (Figure 1 and Figure 2 1) in up to 90% of cases.3 The patch is erythematous with slightly elevated scaling borders and a lighter depressed center. It can measure 3 cm or more in diameter and may be the only skin manifestation for appr…
Signs and symptoms
- Atypical pityriasis rosea has a different rash distribution, morphology, size, and number of lesions. In pityriasis rosea gigantea of Darier, the patient has fewer and larger lesions. Inverse pityriasis rosea predominantly involves the face, axillae, and groin. Pityriasis rosea of Vidal presents with large patches on the axillae or inguinal region.1,3
Prognosis
- Relapsing pityriasis rosea lacks a herald patch, and the lesions may be smaller or fewer than in the initial episode.3 The low relapse rate, between 1.8% and 3.7%, suggests the development of immunity.2,8 The relapse typically occurs within five to 18 months of the initial episode.3,8
Epidemiology
- Pityriasis rosea in children presents similarly to that in adults. Pruritus has been reported more often in this population.14 Black children have more facial (30%) and scalp involvement (8%), and postinflammatory pigmentary changes (62%).15
Pathophysiology
- Case reports have documented pityriasis rosealike eruptions associated with certain medications (Table 2).1,1638 In these cases, the rash is more extensive and pruritic than in classic pityriasis rosea, and the histopathology is distinct. Some case studies report the presence of dermal eosinophil infiltrates.3
Treatment
- The self-limited course of pityriasis rosea allows for watchful waiting and symptomatic treatment of pruritus in most patients. Treatment with oral antihistamines or topical or oral corticosteroids is advised based on expert consensus and low potential for harm.2,39 Patients with more severe disease or those who choose active treatment should weigh the potential benefits of faster resol…
Research
- A pseudo-randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 90 patients showed complete resolution of pityriasis rosea after six weeks in 73% of those treated with oral erythromycin.40 However, a larger open-label study of 184 patients followed for eight weeks was not able to replicate those findings.41 Studies of azithromycin (Zithromax) and clarithromycin (Biaxin) with si…